THE destruction of century-old trees at Groves Reserve in Aspendale has prompted fury from Kingston Council.
The banksias and surrounding vegetation are being removed as part of the level crossing removal works. Last week Kingston councillors agreed to call for the state government’s ministers to intervene.
Kingston mayor Georgina Oxley said “the removal of these trees is an unacceptable environmental loss for our community. Groves Reserve holds immense historical and ecological value, and it is devastating to see trees continue to be cut down despite our repeated calls for a reprieve.”
“Our community has made it clear – they want these trees protected. Council has offered our urban design expertise to help realign the shared user path and other services in a way that minimises vegetation loss. There are better ways to deliver this project without destroying our precious green spaces,” Oxley said. “We cannot continue to see important native vegetation sacrificed in the name of progress. The state government must take immediate action to halt these works and work with us to find a better way forward.”
Council has asked for a meeting with Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson to discuss the matter. Richardson told The News that the removal of vegetation was “unfortunate”, but defended the decision. “The vegetation removal on Groves Reserve is a significant issue, those trees have had an impact on the community for a century,” Richardson said. “Unfortunately we will see some tree removals during this time, but we will minimise the impact as much as possible. It’s important to note that post the level crossing works, we will be planting 1000 trees and shrubs through there to replenish Groves Reserve.
“Some coastal banksias will remain but the others are in the rail alignment. To safely establish the work site and provide access to services those trees need to come out.”
The state government has engaged an arborist to inspect the trees and provide advice. The News understands that the banksias were scheduled for removal last week. The tree removals will make way for the new link road and shared use path, new rail bridge, and other rail infrastructure.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 5 February 2025